The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation or PhilHealth released a circular No. 2017-0024 last November announcing an increase in premium contributions for PhilHealth members.
According to the PhilHealth’s circular No. 2017-0024, the adjustment was necessary in order to keep up with the rising costs of the subsidy shouldered by the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP), a program established by Philippine government that aims to alleviate health care costs among Filipinos.
PhilHealth also explained in the circular that the adjustment was necessary to increase the service quality standards and sustain their enhancement programs that have been introduced in recent years.
The circular will also help sustain NHIP member’s future benefits to ensure that the agency can respond effectively to all health financial needs.
Starting this January, PhilHealth members now have to contribute 2.75% of their monthly salary to the agency’s coffers.
Before, members only had to contribute 2.5% of their monthly salary, which marks a 0.25% increase.
Note: The PhilHealth contribution increase only covers government employees, private workers, and members of the formal economy.
For OFWs and the Self-employed:
The premiums have remained the same for Land-based OFWs, they must pay ₱2,400 annually to enjoy and continue their benefits. Individuals under the said category can either pay ₱2,400 annually or ₱1,200 semi-annually worth of contribution, the remaining half will be paid later in the year.
PhilHealth contribution payment for OFW can be made to any local PhilHealth offices nationwide, PhilHealth-accredited collecting agents abroad, or via POEA One-Stop Shop Centers.
For self-employed members, premium rates remained the same as before.
₱2,400 a year for individuals who earn ₱25,000 and below monthly and ₱3,600 for individuals earning above ₱25,000 monthly.
PhilHealth members under the that category can pay their contributions monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.
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